Sending you (belated) hugs, Diane. This is so tender. I appreciate your generosity in sharing your story and big heart. I'm grateful to still have my mom even though she lives many miles away now and I don't get to see her very often.
What I wanted to share was that for me, Mother's Day always presents a variation on that deep grieving process. I always thought I'd have kids but circumstances never made that possible. I have mostly processed my feelings around this reality, but entering menopause a few years ago brought me to a new physical awareness of this truth. Of course, I knew in my mind that I wasn't going to have kids in my 50s but now that my body is now actually incapable, it brought that lost potential up again in the context of my own mortality and legacy.
While most of my childless friends made a conscious decision not to have kids, I have felt alone in this grief many Mother's Days past. However, a few years ago I connected with a few women who have a similar story to mine and that has helped. These days, I focus on finding comfort in being an aunt and big sister while caring for my own inner child.
Oh, Kristina! Thank you so much for sharing this with me—and with all of us who read along. Your words hold so much heart and depth. I can only imagine the kind of quiet ache you’ve carried over the years, especially on days like Mother’s Day, which can bring so many complex emotions to the surface.
I really admire the way you’ve found meaning and connection—in being an aunt, a big sister, and especially in caring for your own inner child. That image moved me. And I’m so glad you’ve found a circle of women who understand your story firsthand. That kind of connection can be so healing.
Please know that your experience matters, and that you are not alone here. I’m holding space for your story with great respect and tenderness. xoxo!
Wow, SO well written! There are so many parts of your post that stuck with me - I guess maybe this one the most: "grief is just love looking for a new home". Love the way that you are leaning into your gifts (including writing)
Oh, thank you so much. Losing my mom was the hardest thing I have experienced in my life. I want to find a way to honor her each year. Your support means so much. Sending love to both of you!
Tears filled My eyes reading your post. I have a voicemail from Connie from several years ago that I listen to when I feel a need to be assured that all will be well. Hugs to You Diane 🌅
Thank you for this, Dianne. I lost my mother when I was a teenager, and have now lost both grandmothers and all my aunts on both sides of the family. Grief is indeed always with you, and in some moments (including around Mother’s Day, of course) I still miss my mother terribly. But I also carry her with me in my heart, as you do. Hugs to you.
Hugs right back, Laurie. Yes, today is a tough day for those of us missing our moms. I am spending the day talking with family and remembering all the good times. I hope you are as well. xoxoxo
Sending you (belated) hugs, Diane. This is so tender. I appreciate your generosity in sharing your story and big heart. I'm grateful to still have my mom even though she lives many miles away now and I don't get to see her very often.
What I wanted to share was that for me, Mother's Day always presents a variation on that deep grieving process. I always thought I'd have kids but circumstances never made that possible. I have mostly processed my feelings around this reality, but entering menopause a few years ago brought me to a new physical awareness of this truth. Of course, I knew in my mind that I wasn't going to have kids in my 50s but now that my body is now actually incapable, it brought that lost potential up again in the context of my own mortality and legacy.
While most of my childless friends made a conscious decision not to have kids, I have felt alone in this grief many Mother's Days past. However, a few years ago I connected with a few women who have a similar story to mine and that has helped. These days, I focus on finding comfort in being an aunt and big sister while caring for my own inner child.
xoxo
Oh, Kristina! Thank you so much for sharing this with me—and with all of us who read along. Your words hold so much heart and depth. I can only imagine the kind of quiet ache you’ve carried over the years, especially on days like Mother’s Day, which can bring so many complex emotions to the surface.
I really admire the way you’ve found meaning and connection—in being an aunt, a big sister, and especially in caring for your own inner child. That image moved me. And I’m so glad you’ve found a circle of women who understand your story firsthand. That kind of connection can be so healing.
Please know that your experience matters, and that you are not alone here. I’m holding space for your story with great respect and tenderness. xoxo!
With love,
Diane
Appreciate you, dear friend. May we all find our inner mothers as we co-create this world. xo
xoxo!
Wow, SO well written! There are so many parts of your post that stuck with me - I guess maybe this one the most: "grief is just love looking for a new home". Love the way that you are leaning into your gifts (including writing)
Oh, thank you so much. Losing my mom was the hardest thing I have experienced in my life. I want to find a way to honor her each year. Your support means so much. Sending love to both of you!
xoxo...
Tears filled My eyes reading your post. I have a voicemail from Connie from several years ago that I listen to when I feel a need to be assured that all will be well. Hugs to You Diane 🌅
Hugs back, James. Safe travels this week. Enjoy your time with my sis. xoxoxo
Thank you for this, Dianne. I lost my mother when I was a teenager, and have now lost both grandmothers and all my aunts on both sides of the family. Grief is indeed always with you, and in some moments (including around Mother’s Day, of course) I still miss my mother terribly. But I also carry her with me in my heart, as you do. Hugs to you.
Hugs right back, Laurie. Yes, today is a tough day for those of us missing our moms. I am spending the day talking with family and remembering all the good times. I hope you are as well. xoxoxo